Teen's hunt for pennies damages La Grange fountain

Replacement of downtown attraction will cost village

August 30, 2012|By Annemarie Mannion, Chicago Tribune reporter

A teen's hunt for pennies has turned costly for the village of La Grange which is looking at a $25,000 to $30,000 expense to replace a fountain that is considered a important attraction in its downtown business district, local officials said.

The structure was broken when a 15-year-old climbed into it to take coins that others had tossed into it, officials said.

The tiered fountain has been in a plaza next to the village hall at 53 S. LaGrange Road for seven years. Village officials said it's a gathering spot for residents and an important part of the downtown business district.

"It's definitely a focal point in the village. I think the intention is that we'd be replacing it," said assistant village manager Adri Peterson.

The fountain was damaged when the boy climbed into it July 25 to get money from the bottom of it, police said. The teen climbed on to the tiers of the fountain which came crashing down, according to reports.

Police Chief Michael Holub said the pieces of the fountain came close to hitting the teen in the head.

"He's lucky he wasn't hurt," Holub said.

The boy was charged with criminal damage to state supported property and reckless conduct. Peterson said the village will file an insurance claim for the cost of replacing the fountain.